Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has unveiled the Media Personnel Guidelines-2025, aimed at journalists and media representatives covering the 13th National Parliamentary Election and local government polls. The guidelines are intended to ensure orderly and fair coverage of the electoral process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the guidelines specify that journalists accredited with valid EC-issued accreditation cards will have direct access to polling stations. Upon arrival, they must notify the Presiding Officer before collecting information, taking photographs, or recording video footage of polling activities. Importantly, capturing images or footage inside secret voting booths is strictly prohibited.
The guidelines, issued and signed by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, state that no more than two journalists from different media outlets may enter the same polling booth at a time, with a maximum stay of 10 minutes. Interviews with election officials, agents, or voters inside the booth are not allowed, and live broadcasting from inside the polling booth is strictly prohibited. If live reporting is necessary, it must occur from a safe distance outside the polling booth to prevent disruption of election activities.
Journalists are permitted to observe and photograph the vote counting process in counting rooms, though live broadcasting is not allowed. The guidelines also forbid live broadcasts from inside polling booths on Facebook or other social media platforms. Media personnel must avoid activities that could disrupt voting, including interfering with election officials or election materials. Further, they are prohibited from promoting or opposing any candidate or political party and must adhere to electoral laws and regulations.
These guidelines apply to general and by-elections under the EC for national parliament, upazila parishad, city corporations, Zila Parishad, Pourasava, and union parishad. The EC Secretariat and Returning Officers will issue journalist pass cards and vehicle/motorcycle stickers to accredited personnel a week before the election, allowing the use of motorcycles for commuting.
For vehicle movement, a reasonable number of stickers will be issued based on necessity and practical considerations. Local administrations may permit limited use of motorcycles by journalists for news gathering at polling centers. Journalists must submit their appointment letter, press ID, NID copy, motorcycle registration papers, driving license, and other necessary documents to the Returning Officer or Assistant Returning Officer for verification. Permission will be granted thereafter.
According to the guidelines, the EC will provide cards and vehicle stickers to journalists from authorized print, television, online news portals, IPTV, freelance journalists, international agencies, and foreign media for both parliamentary and local elections.